Endothelin-1 Secretion Research Articles

Exploring the Endothelin-1 pathway in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension microvasculopathy.

Targeted vasopeptide therapies have significantly advanced the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, due to insufficient preclinical evidence regarding the involvement of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) pathway in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) pathophysiology, the potential of ET-1 receptor antagonism in treating CTEPH remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated the role of the ET-1 pathway in CTEPH microvasculopathy using a multifaceted approach. Plasma ET-1 levels were measured in a cohort of 59 CTEPH patients and 41 healthy controls. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of key ET-1 pathway members in pulmonary explants from CTEPH, idiopathic PAH, and control patients. We used an in vitro system to test the hypothesis that the turbulent flow, observed near the vascular obstructions pathognomonic of CTEPH, enhances ET-1 expression. Our findings were further validated in vivo using a CTEPH piglet model that contains distinct regions representing pre- and post-thrombus lung territories. We found a twofold increase in circulating ET-1 levels in CTEPH patients compared to healthy subjects. Pulmonary explants from CTEPH patients exhibited pronounced overexpression of ET-1, endothelin receptor A (ETA), and phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC) in muscularized pulmonary microvessels, suggesting heightened vascular contraction. In vitro experiments showed that turbulent flow facilitates ET-1 secretion compared to laminar flow regions. Additionally, in the CTEPH piglet model, elevated plasma ET-1 levels were observed compared to controls. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy analyses confirmed increased ETA and p-MLC in remodeled arteries from both pulmonary territories. However, ET-1 protein elevation was exclusively observed in the obstructed territory. These findings collectively indicate impaired vascular tone in microvessels of CTEPH patients and the CTEPH piglet model. Furthermore, our data implicates the ET-1 pathway in microvasculopathy, with turbulent flow playing a pathological role. These insights underscore the potential utility of ET-1 receptor antagonists as a promising therapeutic approach for CTEPH treatment.

SWATH-proteomics reveals Mathurameha, a traditional anti-diabetic herbal formula, attenuates high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction through the EGF/NO/IL-1β regulatory axis

Mathurameha is a traditional Thai herbal formula with a clinically proven effect of blood sugar reduction in patients with diabetes mellitus, but its anti-diabetic complication potential is largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Mathurameha and its underlying mechanisms against high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells. After confirming no cytotoxic effects, the cells were treated with normal glucose (NG), high glucose (HG), or high glucose plus Mathurameha (HG + M) for 24 h. A quantitative label-free proteomic analysis using the sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) approach identified 24 differentially altered proteins among the three groups: 7 between HG and NG, 9 between HG + M and NG, and 13 between HG + M and HG. Bioinformatic analyses suggested a potential anti-diabetic action through the epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway. Subsequent functional validations demonstrated that Mathurameha reduced the EGF secretion and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in high glucose-treated cells. Mathurameha also exhibited a stimulatory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production while significantly reducing the secretion of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in high glucose-treated cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that Mathurameha attenuated high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction through the EGF/NO/IL-1β regulatory axis. SignificanceThis study reveals the potential of Mathurameha, a traditional Thai herbal formula, in mitigating high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction, a common complication in diabetes mellitus. Using proteomics and bioinformatic analyses followed by functional validations, the present study highlights the protective effects of Mathurameha through the EGF/NO/IL-1β regulatory axis. These findings support its potential use as a therapeutic intervention for diabetic vascular complications and provide valuable information for developing more effective anti-diabetic drugs.

The endothelin-1-driven tumor-stroma feed-forward loops in high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

The high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HG-SOC) tumor microenvironment (TME) is constellated by cellular elements and a network of soluble constituents that contribute to tumor progression. In the multitude of the secreted molecules, the endothelin-1 (ET-1) has emerged to be implicated in the tumor/TME interplay; however, the molecular mechanisms induced by the ET-1-driven feed-forward loops (FFL) and associated with the HG-SOC metastatic potential need to be further investigated. The tracking of the patient-derived (PD) HG-SOC cell transcriptome by RNA-seq identified the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and its associated signature among those mostly up-regulated by ET-1 and down-modulated by the dual ET-1R antagonist macitentan. Within the ligand-receptor pairs concurrently expressed in PD-HG-SOC cells, endothelial cells and activated fibroblasts, we discovered two intertwined FFL, the ET-1/ET-1R and VEGF/VEGF receptors, concurrently activated by ET-1 and shutting-down by macitentan, or by the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab. In parallel, we observed that ET-1 fine-tuned the tumoral and stromal secretome toward a pro-invasive pattern. Into the fray of the HG-SOC/TME double and triple co-cultures, the secretion of ET-1 and VEGF, that share a common co-regulation, was inhibited upon the administration of macitentan. Functionally, macitentan, mimicking the effect of bevacizumab, interfered with the HG-SOC/TME FFL-driven communication that fuels the HG-SOC invasive behavior. The identification of ET-1 and VEGF FFL as tumor and TME actionable vulnerabilities, reveals how ET-1R blockade, targeting the HG-SOC cells and the TME simultaneously, may represent an effective therapeutic option for HG-SOC patients.

Exercise interventions for the effect of endothelial function in hypertensive patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endothelial dysfunction is crucial factor to the hypertension occurrence, and controversy remains regarding the effect of exercise on improving endothelial function in hypertensive patients. The authors used meta-analysis to evaluate the intervention effect of exercise on endothelial function in hypertensive patients and to investigate exercise protocols that may have a greater intervention effect. A total of 37 studies and a total of 2801 participants were included. The results were as follows: endogenous nitric oxide (NO)[SMD=.89, 95% CI (.48, 1.30), p<.0001], endothelin-1 (ET-1): [SMD=-.94, 95% CI (-1.15, -.73), p<.0001], flow-mediated dilation (FMD) [SMD=-.57, 95% CI (.36,.79), p<.000001]. In subgroup analysis, high-intensity aerobic exercise, with a single exercise duration of 35-50min, 3-4 times/week for a total of 10-12weeks, had the largest amount of intervention effect on NO, and moderate-intensity resistance exercise, with a single exercise duration of ≥60min, 6 times/week for a total of 15-18weeks, had the largest amount of intervention effect on ET-1. In conclusion, exercise can improve NO levels, FDM levels, and reduce ET-1 secretion of hypertension patients, thereby improve their endothelial function. The ideal intervention effect of improving NO level was more likely to be obtained by taking the exercise prescription of high-intensity aerobic exercise with a single exercise duration of 35-50min, 3-4 times/week for 10-12weeks; the ideal intervention effect of improving ET-1 was more likely to be obtained by taking the exercise prescription of oderate -intensity resistance exercise with a single exercise duration of ≥60min, 6 times/week for 15-18weeks.

Two Novel Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory and ACE2 Upregulating Peptides from the Hydrolysate of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Seed Meal.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) seed meal (PSM), the major byproduct of pumpkin seed oil industry, was used to prepare angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) upregulating peptides. These peptides were isolated and purified from the PSM hydrolysate prepared using Neutrase 5.0 BG by ultrafiltration, Sephadex G-15 column chromatography, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Two peptides with significant ACE inhibition activity were identified as SNHANQLDFHP and PVQVLASAYR with IC50 values of 172.07 and 90.69 μM, respectively. The C-terminal tripeptides of the two peptides contained Pro, Phe, and Tyr, respectively, and PVQVLASAYR also had Val in its N-terminal tripeptide, which was a favorable structure for ACE inhibition. Molecular docking results declared that the two peptides could interact with ACE through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, the two peptides performed protective function on EA.hy926 cells by decreasing the secretion of endothelin-1, increasing the release of nitric oxide, and regulating the ACE2 activity. In vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion showed the two peptides exhibited good stability against gastrointestinal enzyme digestion. In conclusion, PSM is a promising material for preparing antihypertensive peptides.

New Insights into Endothelial Dysfunction in Cardiometabolic Diseases: Potential Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.

The endothelium is a monocellular layer covering the inner surface of blood vessels. It maintains vascular homeostasis regulating vascular tone and permeability and exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and anti-thrombotic functions. When the endothelium is exposed to detrimental stimuli including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and neurohormonal imbalance, different biological pathways are activated leading to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, increased secretion of adipokines, cytokines, endothelin-1, and fibroblast growth factor, and reduced nitric oxide production, leading eventually to a loss of integrity. Endothelial dysfunction has emerged as a hallmark of dysmetabolic vascular impairment and contributes to detrimental effects on cardiac metabolism and diastolic dysfunction, and to the development of cardiovascular diseases including heart failure. Different biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction have been proposed to predict cardiovascular diseases in order to identify microvascular and macrovascular damage and the development of atherosclerosis, particularly in metabolic disorders. Endothelial dysfunction also plays an important role in the development of severe COVID-19 and cardiovascular complications in dysmetabolic patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we will discuss the biological mechanisms involved in endothelial dysregulation in the context of cardiometabolic diseases as well as the available and promising biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in clinical practice.

Reduced trans-myocardial extraction of endothelin-1 in cardiac allograft vasculopathy

Abstract Introduction Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major cause of graft failure due to microvascular dysfunction and ischaemia following heart transplant. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an endothelium derived vasoconstrictor peptide with multiple adverse effects including vascular smooth muscle proliferation and pro-inflammatory signalling. Elevated circulating ET-1 has been associated with accelerated CAV. We assessed the trans-myocardial gradient (TMG: coronary sinus minus coronary artery concentration: negative=extraction, positive=secretion) of ET-1 in heart transplant patients to determine correlations with angiographic, Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) features of CAV. Methods 23 patients underwent invasive coronary angiography, 3-vessel grey scale IVUS (Opticross, 60mHz, Boston Scientific) and OCT (Dragonfly, Abbott Vascular) to define morphological features of vasculopathy 18±3 months post-transplant. Paired blood samples were obtained from the guide catheter and coronary sinus at the time of coronary imaging. Plasma was analysed using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for ET-1 peptide quantification. Survival was determined 98±5 months after initial assessment. Results ET-1 TMG distribution was mostly in the negative range reflecting net extraction across the coronary vascular bed (median [IQR]: -0.23 [-0.54, -0.02] pg/ml). However, vessels with more severe CAV demonstrated significantly more positive TMG i.e. less ET-1 trans-myocardial extraction (IVUS Stanford Grade IV: -0.05 [-0.21, 0.13] pg/ml versus Stanford Grade I-III: -0.31 [-0.64, -0.11] pg/ml, p = 0.01). ET-1 TMG was positively correlated with mean intimal thickness on both IVUS and OCT (IVUS: Kendall’s tau-b = 0.254, p=0.02 and OCT: Kendall’s tau-b = 0.344, p&amp;lt;0.0001). Patients who died had net ET-1 secretion compared with surviving patients (died: 0.21 [0.19 - 0.24] versus surviving: -0.28 [-0.52, -0.17], p = 0.01). Conclusions In heart transplant patients, coronary arteries with more intimal thickening had less trans-myocardial extraction, and more secretion of ET-1. ET-1 secretion in CAV may mediate the distal microvascular dysfunction commonly seen in this condition. These findings suggest a rationale for testing ET-1 receptor antagonists as a treatment for CAV.ET-1 TMG and IVUS Stanford Grade of CAVET-1 TMG and OCT derived MIT

LncRNAs 60248.51 and 9826.1 are identified as potential regulators of endometrial receptivity in Tibetan Northwest Cashmere goats

Endometrial receptivity is a key determinant of embryo implantation, which is the initial step of a successful pregnancy. In this study, high-throughput RNA sequencing was conducted in pre-receptive endometrium (PE) and receptive endometrium (RE) derived from Tibetan Northwest Cashmere goats. There were only a handful of miRNAs and circRNAs differentially expressed between PE and RE tissues, while there were 250 upregulated coding genes and 193 upregulated lncRNAs and 135 downregulated coding genes and 123 downregulated lncRNAs in RE tissues, suggesting the predominant role of coding genes and lncRNAs in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. Moreover, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses revealed that differentially expressed lncRNAs are significantly enriched in Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo signaling pathways. Furthermore, the two most upregulated lncRNAs, MSTRG.60248.51 (1264 bp) and MSTRG.9826.1 (1362 bp), were screened as candidate lncRNAs, and both upregulation of 60248.51 and 9826.1 could activate Wnt and Hippo signaling and promote cell viability, migration, and secretion of endothelin-1, epidermal growth factor, and colony stimulating factor in primary goat endometrial epithelial cells. In summary, lncRNAs 60248.51 and 9826.1, identified as potential regulators of endometrial receptivity in Tibetan Northwest Cashmere goats, improve cell viability, migration, and secretion functions in endometrial epithelial cells, which may be associated with the Wnt and Hippo signaling pathways.&#x0D; Keywords: Tibetan Northwest cashmere goats; endometrial receptivity; lncRNA 60248.51 and lncRNA 9826.1; primary goat endometrial epithelial cells; the Wnt and Hippo signaling pathways.

Rhinovirus infection induces secretion of endothelin-1 from airway epithelial cells in both in vitro and in vivo models

BackgroundRhinovirus (RV) infection of airway epithelial cells triggers asthma exacerbations, during which airway smooth muscle (ASM) excessively contracts. Due to ASM contraction, airway epithelial cells become mechanically compressed. We previously reported that compressed human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells are a source of endothelin-1 (ET-1) that causes ASM contraction. Here, we hypothesized that epithelial sensing of RV by TLR3 and epithelial compression induce ET-1 secretion through a TGF-β receptor (TGFβR)-dependent mechanism.MethodsTo test this, we used primary HBE cells well-differentiated in air–liquid interface culture and two mouse models (ovalbumin and house dust mite) of allergic airway disease (AAD). HBE cells were infected with RV-A16, treated with a TLR3 agonist (poly(I:C)), or exposed to compression. Thereafter, EDN1 (ET-1 protein-encoding gene) mRNA expression and secreted ET-1 protein were measured. We examined the role of TGFβR in ET-1 secretion using either a pharmacologic inhibitor of TGFβR or recombinant TGF-β1 protein. In the AAD mouse models, allergen-sensitized and allergen-challenged mice were subsequently infected with RV. We then measured ET-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) following methacholine challenge.ResultsOur data reveal that RV infection induced EDN1 expression and ET-1 secretion in HBE cells, potentially mediated by TLR3. TGFβR activation was partially required for ET-1 secretion, which was induced by RV, poly(I:C), or compression. TGFβR activation alone was sufficient to increase ET-1 secretion. In AAD mouse models, RV induced ET-1 secretion in BALF, which positively correlated with AHR.ConclusionsOur data provide evidence that RV infection increased epithelial-cell ET-1 secretion through a TGFβR-dependent mechanism, which contributes to bronchoconstriction during RV-induced asthma exacerbations.

Production, identification, in silico analysis, and cytoprotection on H2O2-induced HUVECs of novel angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from Skipjack tuna roes.

Exceeding 50% tuna catches are regarded as byproducts in the production of cans. Given the high amount of tuna byproducts and their environmental effects induced by disposal and elimination, the valorization of nutritional ingredients from these by-products receives increasing attention. This study was to identify the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory (ACEi) peptides from roe hydrolysate of Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and evaluate their protection functions on H2O2-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Protein hydrolysate of tuna roes with high ACEi activity was prepared using flavourzyme, and ACEi peptides were isolated from the roe hydrolysate using ultrafiltration and chromatography methods and identified by ESI/MS and Procise Protein/Peptide Sequencer for the N-terminal amino acid sequence. The activity and mechanism of action of isolated ACEi peptides were investigated through molecular docking and cellular experiments. Four ACEi peptides were identified as WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12), respectively. The affinity of WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) with ACE was -8.590, -9.703, -9.325, and -8.036 kcal/mol, respectively. The molecular docking experiment elucidated that the significant ACEi ability of WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) was mostly owed to their tight bond with ACE's active sites/pockets via hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic force and hydrogen bonding. Additionally, WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) could dramatically elevate the Nitric Oxide (NO) production and bring down endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion in HUVECs, but also abolish the opposite impact of norepinephrine (0.5 μM) on the production of NO and ET-1. Moreover, WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) could lower the oxidative damage and apoptosis rate of H2O2-induced HUVECs, and the mechanism indicated that they could increase the content of NO and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) to decrease the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). WGESF (TRP3), IKSW (TRP6), YSHM (TRP9), and WSPGF (TRP12) are beneficial ingredients for healthy products ameliorating hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Oxidized LDL Regulates Endothelin-1 and Oxidative Stress in Vascular Endothelial Cells: Role of Extracellular Regulated Kinase1/2 (ERK1/2)

Article Oxidized LDL Regulates Endothelin-1 and Oxidative Stress in Vascular Endothelial Cells: Role of Extracellular Regulated Kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) Haishan Xu 1,#, Jinhong Duan 1,#, Jun Tao 2, Wen Wang 3, Yunqing Wu 1,^, Shunling Dai 1,*, and Jun Ren 4,5, 1 Faculty of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100005 China 2 Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510000 China 3 Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China 4 Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China 5 National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China # These two authors contributed equally to this work ^ Deceased * Correspondence: daishunling@aliyun.com (Shunling Dai); corresponding author:jren_aldh2@outlook.com (Jun Ren) Abstract: It is perceived that oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) perturbs endothelial function and fosters endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study was designed to decipher potential mechanisms underscoring oxLDL-evoked regulation of ET-1 and signaling pathways involved in endothelial cells. ET-1 mRNA expression, secretion and promoter function were determined using RT-PCR, enzyme immunometric and luciferase assays, respectively. GO and GSEA bioinformatics analyses depicted differentially expressed genes (DEGs) mainly associated with cell proliferation, cell division, cellular structure, energy supply, and apoptosis in oxLDL-challenged endothelial cells. Incubation of oxLDL overtly increased ROS production, apoptosis, mRNA level, secretion and promoter activity of ET-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the effects were mitigated by N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). Moreover, oxLDL challenge evoked phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) in HUVECs, the effect was reversed by NAC and MEK inhibitor PD98059. NAC and PD98059 nullified oxLDL- induced rises in mRNA expression, secretion and promoter activity of ET-1. Truncation of 5’-flanking sequence of ET-1 (–566 bpLuc to –250 bpLuc) displayed elevated luciferase activity with 24-h oxLDL incubation. Fusion plasmid from –233 and –185 bp Luc drastically dampened luciferase activity in basal and oxLDL-challenged HUVECs. Transfection of reporter construct –250 bp Luc with a 2 bp mutation at AP-1 locus, removed basal and oxLDL- evoked rises in ET-1 promoter activity. Collectively, our findings support that oxLDL evoked activation of ERK1/2 signaling likely through ROS production, en route to upregulation of endothelial transcriptional factor AP-1, resulting in expression and secretion of ET-1.

Antiplatelet Aggregation Properties of Cirsilineol: A Novel Inhibitor of Blood Coagulation Factor Xa.

A small natural substance called cirsilineol (CSL), which was discovered in the plant Artemisia vestita, is lethal to many cancer cells and has antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. Here, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of the antithrombotic action of CSL. We demonstrated that CSL has antithrombotic efficacy comparable to rivaroxaban, a direct blood coagulation factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor employed as a positive control, in inhibiting the enzymatic activity of FXa and the platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and U46619, a thromboxane A2 analog. The expression of P-selectin, the phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate by U46619 or ADP, and the activation of PAC-1 in platelets were inhibited by CSL. Nitric oxide production was increased by CSL in ADP- or U46619-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), although excessive endothelin-1 secretion was suppressed. CSL demonstrated strong anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects in a mouse model of arterial and pulmonary thrombosis. Our findings suggest that CSL is a potential pharmacological candidate for a novel class of anti-FXa and antiplatelet medications.

CEBPB/POU2F2 modulates Endothelin1 expression in prehypertensive SHR vascular smooth muscle cells.

The pathogenesis of hypertension is not fully understood; ET1 is involved in developing essential hypertension. ET1 can promote VSMC proliferation or hypertrophy through autocrine and paracrine effects. Proliferating smooth muscle cells in the aorta are "dedifferentiated" cells that cause increased arterial stiffness and remodeling. Male SHRs had higher aortic stiffness than normal control male WKY rats. Male SHR VSMCs expressed high levels of the ET1 gene, but endothelial cells did not. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanism of enhanced ET1 expression in SHR VSMCs. We identified POU2f2 and CEBPB as the main molecules that enhance ET1 expression in male SHR VSMCs. A promoter activity analysis confirmed that the enhancer region of the ET1 promoter in male SHR VSMCs was from -1309 to -1279 bp. POU2f2 and CEBPB exhibited an additive role in the enhancer region of the ET1 promoter. POU2f2 or CEBPB overexpression sufficiently increased ET1 expression, and co-transfection with the CEBPB and POU2f2 expression plasmids had additive effects on the activity of the ET1 promoter and ET1 secretion level of male WKY VSMCs. In addition, knockdown of POU2f2 also revealed that POU2f2 is necessary to enhance ET1 expression in SHR VSMCs. The enhancer region of the ET1 promoter is highly conserved in rats, mice, and humans. POU2f2 and CEBPB mRNA levels were significantly increased in remodeled human VMSCs. In conclusion, the novel regulation of POU2f2 and CEBPB in VSMCs will help us understand the pathogenesis of hypertension and support the development of future treatments for hypertension.

Effect of Peptides from Plasma of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease on the Vascular Endothelial Cells.

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the foremost cause of adult disability and mortality. There is an urgent need to focus on the research of new approaches for the prevention and treatment of CAD. Materials and Methods: The effects of peptides isolated from the blood plasma of CAD patients on endothelial cell secretion using the in vitro model have been tested. Human endothelial progenitor cells (HEPCs) were incubated for 24 h with peptides isolated from the plasma of healthy subjects or patients with stable angina, progressive unstable angina, and myocardial infarction. The contents of some soluble anticoagulant as well as procoagulant mediators in HEPC culture treated with peptide pools were then compared. Results and Conclusion: The results show that peptides from the plasma of patients with myocardial infarction promote endothelial cells to release both von Willebrand factor and endothelin-1, increasing vasoconstriction and shifting hemostatic balance toward a prothrombotic state. In contrast, peptides from the plasma of patients with progressive unstable angina suppress the secretion of endothelin-1 by HEPCs, while the secretion of both von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator was increased. As can be seen from the results obtained, disease derived peptides may contribute to the homeostasis of living organisms or the progression of pathological processes.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Attenuates Radiation-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis by Inhibiting the p38/ET-1 Pathway in Cardiomyocytes

Radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis (RIMF) is a severe delayed complication of thoracic irradiation (IR). Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is critical in cardiac fibroblast activation, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is protective against various cardiac diseases. This study aimed to explore the roles of ET-1 in RIMF and the potential of DHA in preventing RIMF. Hematoxylin and eosin, sirius red, and Masson trichrome staining were carried out to evaluate the histopathologic conditions in mouse models. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect the concentration of ET-1 in serum and cell supernatants. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the protein levels. The phenotypic alterations of cardiac fibroblasts were evaluated by cell proliferation/migration assays and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) detection. Radiation increased ET-1 expression and secretion by increasing p38 phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes, and ET-1 markedly promoted the activation of cardiac fibroblasts, which were characterized by enhanced fibroblast proliferation, migration, and α-SMA expression. Cardiomyocyte-derived ET-1 mediated radiation-induced fibroblast activation by targeting the PI3K-AKT and MEK-ERK pathways in fibroblasts. DHA suppressed ET-1 levels by blocking p38 signaling in cardiomyocytes and significantly attenuated the activation of cardiac fibroblasts induced by the IR/ET-1 axis. Importantly, DHA decreased collagen deposition and α-SMA expression, alleviating cardiac fibrosis caused by radiation in mouse models. Our findings demonstrate that radiation facilitates cardiac fibroblast activation by enhancing p38/ET-1 signaling in cardiomyocytes, revealing the IR/p38/ET-1 regulatory axis in RIMF for the first time. DHA effectively inhibits fibroblast activation by targeting p38/ET-1 and can be recognized as a promising protective agent against RIMF.

Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura plasma induces calcium- and IgG-dependent endothelial activation: correlations with disease severity.

Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is characterized by a severe ADAMTS13 deficiency due to the presence of anti-ADAMTS13 auto-antibodies, with subsequent accumulation of circulating ultra-large von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers. The role of endothelial cell activation as a trigger of the disease has been suggested in animal models but remains to be demonstrated in humans. We prospectively obtained plasma from the first plasma exchange of 25 patients during iTTP acute phase. iTTP but not control plasma, induced a rapid VWF release and P-selectin exposure on the surface of dermal human micro-vascular endothelial cell (HMVEC-d), associated with angiopoietin-2 and endothelin-1 secretion, consistent with Weibel-Palade bodies exocytosis. Calcium (Ca2+) blockade significantly decreased VWF release, whereas iTTP plasma induced a rapid and sustained Ca2+ flux in HMVEC-d which correlated in retrospect, with disease severity and survival in 62 iTTP patients. F(ab)'2 fragments purified from the immunoglobulin G fraction of iTTP plasma mainly induced endothelial cell activation with additional minor roles for circulating free heme and nucleosomes, but not for complement. Furthermore, two anti-ADAMTS13 monoclonal antibodies purified from iTTP patients' B cells, but not serum from hereditary TTP, induced endothelial Ca2+ flux associated with Weibel-Palade bodies exocytosis in vitro, whereas inhibition of endothelial ADAMTS13 expression using small intering RNA, significantly decreased the stimulating effects of iTTP immunoglobulin G. In conclusion, Ca2+-mediated endothelial cell activation constitutes a "second hit" of iTTP, is correlated with the severity of the disease and may constitute a possible therapeutic target.

Purification identification and function analysis of ACE inhibitory peptide from Ulva prolifera protein

In the present study, Ulva prolifera, an edible alga, was used to prepare angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide. The algae protein was isolated and later hydrolyzed by five commercial enzymes (alcalase, papain, pepsin, trypsin, neutral protease), either individually or in combination. Hydrolysate, with the highest in vitro ACE inhibitory activity, was processed using the Sephadex-G100, ultrafiltration, HPLC-Q-TOF-MS, ADMET screening and molecular docking, respectively. The ACE inhibitory peptide DIGGL with a IC50 value of 10.32 ± 0.96 μM was then identified. The peptide against ACE by a non-competitive mode and mainly attributable to the three Conventional Hydrogen Bonds. It could activate Endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity in NO generation and reduce Endothelin-1 secretion induced by Angiotensin II in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Meanwhile, DIGGL could promote mice splenocytes proliferation, which was also effective when co-incubated with Con A or LPS, respectively. Besides, the anti-ACE peptide could remain active during the digestion of gastrointestinal proteases (pepsin-trypsin) in vitro.

Ufl1 deficiency causes skin pigmentation by up-regulation of Endothelin-1.

Ufmylation (UFM1 modification) is a newly identified ubiquitin-like modification system involved in numerous cellular processes. However, the regulatory mechanisms and biological functions of this modification remain mostly unknown. We have recently reported that Ufmylation family genes have frequent somatic copy number alterations in human cancer including melanoma, suggesting involvement of Ufmylation in skin function and disease. UFL1 is the only known Ufmylation E3-like ligase. In this study, we generated the skin-specific Ufl1 knockout mice and show that ablation of Ufl1 caused epidermal thickening, pigmentation and shortened life span. RNA-Seq analysis indicated that Ufl1 deletion resulted in upregulation of the genes involved in melanin biosynthesis. Mechanistically, we found that Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a novel substrate of Ufmylation and this modification regulates ET-1 stability, and thereby deletion of Ufl1 upregulates the expression and secretion of ET-1, which in turn results in up-regulation of genes in melanin biosynthesis and skin pigmentation. Our findings establish the role of Ufl1 in skin pigmentation through Ufmylation modification of ET-1 and provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention of skin diseases.

Isolation, identification, molecular docking analysis, and cytoprotection of seven novel angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from miiuy croaker byproducts-swim bladders

For efficiently utilizing the processing byproducts of miiuy croaker to prepare novel angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory (ACEi) peptides, in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion method was screened and employed to prepare swim bladder hydrolysate with the highest ACEi activity. Subsequently, seven novel ACEi peptides were isolated from the hydrolysate and identified as DEGPE, EVGIQ, SHGEY, GPWGPA, GPFGTD, SPYGF, and VIGPF with molecular weights of 545.49, 544.58, 591.55, 583.63, 592.59, 569.60, and 531.63 Da, respectively. SHGEY and SPYGF exhibited remarkable ACEi activity with IC50 values of 0.86 ± 0.12 and 0.37 ± 0.06 mg/mL. Molecular docking experiment illustrated that the significant ACEi activity of SHGEY and SPYGF with the affinity of -8.7 and -9.7 kcal/mol mainly attributed to effectively combining with the ACEi active sites by hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic force and hydrogen bonding. Moreover, SHGEY and SPYGF could significantly up-regulate the nitric oxide (NO) production and decrease the endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), but also abolished the negative impacting of norepinephrine to the levels of NO and ET-1. Furthermore, SHGEY and SPYGF showed significant protection to HUVECs against H2O2 damage by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity to lower the contents of reactive oxide species and malondialdehyde. Consequently, ACEi peptides derived from miiuy croaker swim bladders, especially SHGEY and SPYGF, are health-promoting ingredients for functional products as a supplementary treatment to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Novel angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from tuna byproducts-milts: Preparation, characterization, molecular docking study, and antioxidant function on H2O2-damaged human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

To prepare peptides with high angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory (ACEi) activity, Alcalase was screened from five proteases and employed to prepare protein hydrolysate (TMH) of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) milts. Subsequently, 10 novel ACEi peptides were isolated from the high-ACEi activity TMH and identified as Tyr-Asp-Asp (YDD), Thr-Arg-Glu (TRE), Arg-Asp-Tyr (RDY), Thr-Glu-Arg-Met (TERM), Asp-Arg-Arg-Tyr-Gly (DRRYG), Ile-Cys-Tyr (ICY), Leu-Ser-Phe-Arg (LSFR), Gly-Val-Arg-Phe (GVRF), Lys-Leu-Tyr-Ala-Leu-Phe (KLYALF), and Ile-Tyr-Ser-Pro (IYSP) with molecular weights of 411.35, 404.41, 452.45, 535.60, 665.69, 397.48, 521.61, 477.55, 753.91, and 478.53 Da, respectively. Among them, the IC50 values of ICY, LSFR, and IYSP on ACE were 0.48, 0.59, and 0.76 mg/mL, respectively. The significant ACEi activity of ICY, LSFR, and IYSP with affinities of −7.0, −8.5, and −8.3 kcal/mol mainly attributed to effectively combining with the ACEi active sites through hydrogen bonding, electrostatic force, and hydrophobic interaction. Moreover, ICY, LSFR, and IYSP could positively influence the production of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and weaken the adverse impact of norepinephrine (NE) on the production of NO and ET-1. In addition, ICY, LSFR, and IYSP could provide significant protection to HUVECs against H2O2 damage by increasing antioxidase levels to decrease the contents of reactive oxide species and malondialdehyde. Therefore, the ACEi peptides of ICY, LSFR, and IYSP are beneficial functional molecules for healthy foods against hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.